New S4: to tint or not to tint?

[Slav4ikMD]

Hi, I am new to this forum, awaiting for my '15 S4 to arrive in a few days. Daytona grey, black/brown interior, manual, 5 double spole wheels, sports suspension. I am debating whether to tint the windows or not... with this color combo I am going for a more classy look, and just not sure how it would look with no tink vs darker or lighter tint.

Any thoughts? Should I just drive the car with no tint and feel it out?

P.S. Aside from audicare, do you suggest getting any other packages up front? (I am leaning toward not doing that, but appreciate any thoughts.) Thanks!

[ballinb5]

35% all around:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd518/plinko89/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/plinko89/media/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg.html)

[tgsweat]

Tint. It just looks better. Just a matter of how dark you want to go.

[myrison]

Yes tint for sure, but obviously if you have reservations about it, it's your car. ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slav4ikMD]

Thanks for the pic. So if I do it, I will do it at the dealership (it's $395). They have 4 options, I forget what the percentages are.... Would 35% typically be the second darkest they offer?

[DGVR6]

Do you take fequent trips to the city? Might want to consider wheel/tire package and lamin protection.

Female driver tapped my front bumper last night pretty hard, not a scratch or scuff.

[ballinb5]

Thanks for the pic. So if I do it, I will do it at the dealership (it's $395). They have 4 options, I forget what the percentages are.... Would 35% typically be the second darkest they offer?

I had mine done at a local shop for a LOT less and it came out great. I am sure you have a lot of options in NY area too

[Slav4ikMD]

So what can I expect to pay at a good shop? If you say that, I might just cancel the tint at the dealership, feel it out and then get it done elsewhere. Good to know.

[Slav4ikMD]

Probably won't do the wheel/tire package. What's lamin protection? I do park in Brooklyn once every few weeks and a little worries about bumpers... would like to avoid dealing with the bumper bully thing - any other good options?

What do you guys think about this for the front bumber? http://www.amazon.com/BumpShox-XL-Protection-Ultimate-License/dp/B0041LN1L4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413691992&sr=8-1&keywords=front+bumper+guard

Sorry for the naive questions, I am new to the concept of having a nice car! LOL

[seanj130]

Do 20% in the back and 35% up front.. 35% will look too light on sunny days..


I have 5% all around, with a layer of 35% on top of that.. I have 35% on the entire windshield..


Hi, I am new to this forum, awaiting for my '15 S4 to arrive in a few days. Daytona grey, black/brown interior, manual, 5 double spole wheels, sports suspension. I am debating whether to tint the windows or not... with this color combo I am going for a more classy look, and just not sure how it would look with no tink vs darker or lighter tint.

Any thoughts? Should I just drive the car with no tint and feel it out?

P.S. Aside from audicare, do you suggest getting any other packages up front? (I am leaning toward not doing that, but appreciate any thoughts.) Thanks!

[ballinb5]

So what can I expect to pay at a good shop? If you say that, I might just cancel the tint at the dealership, feel it out and then get it done elsewhere. Good to know.

I paid $175 and it includes a lifetime warranty against cracking, peeling, fading etc. Carbon based film.


Do 20% in the back and 35% up front.. 35% will look too light on sunny days..


I have 5% all around, with a layer of 35% on top of that.. I have 35% on the entire windshield..

Wish I could have gone darker to 20% but the tint laws in VA are 50% front 35% rear - also cant have w/s tint which I REALLY wanted as well (on top of the fact that the yearly safety inspection sticker on the w/s could mess up the tint).

[theedge111]

Do 20% in the back and 35% up front.. 35% will look too light on sunny days..


I have 5% all around, with a layer of 35% on top of that.. I have 35% on the entire windshield..

Lol I've got 50% ...looks pretty dark in direct sunlight...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-10/5FEE7BD7-0A98-4C42-A0A9-4B0A85038DFE_zpsxb8j4ubu.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/theedge111/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-10/5FEE7BD7-0A98-4C42-A0A9-4B0A85038DFE_zpsxb8j4ubu.jpg.html)

Looks lighter when in the shade for some reason...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/BC9696D5-D1E3-44B2-8F00-B2E313F39F67_zpsldyzfhbo.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/theedge111/media/BC9696D5-D1E3-44B2-8F00-B2E313F39F67_zpsldyzfhbo.jpg.html)

[seanj130]

Lol... Different angles. From the right angle your windows will look black..

If you were to take the pic from the side that the sun is hitting, it would be a different story.. Of course if will look dark from the shady side.

This is 35% on front and 15% on back.. You should not pay more than $225 for tint, life time warranty.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/18/102a1c2076231b80a49137d64a5b1b4e.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/18/b3454c0f6a0e3d01f4b609681c699484.jpg




Lol I've got 50% ...looks pretty dark in direct sunlight...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-10/5FEE7BD7-0A98-4C42-A0A9-4B0A85038DFE_zpsxb8j4ubu.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/theedge111/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-10/5FEE7BD7-0A98-4C42-A0A9-4B0A85038DFE_zpsxb8j4ubu.jpg.html)

Looks lighter when in the shade for some reason...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/BC9696D5-D1E3-44B2-8F00-B2E313F39F67_zpsldyzfhbo.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/theedge111/media/BC9696D5-D1E3-44B2-8F00-B2E313F39F67_zpsldyzfhbo.jpg.html)




Sent from my Atari while playing Pac Man

[yload]

Tint as folks have mentioned 20-35 is good, but I would get it done elsewhere you can beat that price and get a better job unless they are offering ceramic tint that price is high. As for Audicare, if you can get it for a decent price I find it a great add on I have had it on my last 3 Audi.

[seanj130]

No benefit to ceramic tint though... Stick to suntek films, llumar, or 3m. I prefer llumar though.





Tint as folks have mentioned 20-35 is good, but I would get it done elsewhere you can beat that price and get a better job unless they are offering ceramic tint that price is high. As for Audicare, if you can get it for a decent price I find it a great add on I have had it on my last 3 Audi.




Sent from my Atari while playing Pac Man

[Jokergod2000]

I used this site to decide on 23% in the rears and 30% on the fronts. Hopefully 30% will not be too dark. It's not legal in my province and I don't want too much attention.

http://www.tintcenter.com/films/solargard/sg_hp_supreme/

[aka5]

35% all around:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd518/plinko89/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/plinko89/media/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg.html)

saw you at the vienna park ; - )

[MonSoonHell]

Hi, I am new to this forum, awaiting for my '15 S4 to arrive in a few days. Daytona grey, black/brown interior, manual, 5 double spole wheels, sports suspension. I am debating whether to tint the windows or not... with this color combo I am going for a more classy look, and just not sure how it would look with no tink vs darker or lighter tint.

Any thoughts? Should I just drive the car with no tint and feel it out?

P.S. Aside from audicare, do you suggest getting any other packages up front? (I am leaning toward not doing that, but appreciate any thoughts.) Thanks!

Which dealership are you buying your Audi from? I purchased two Audis and the tint was on them (paid by dealer). FYI: Tint normally averages around 25/35 dollars per window.

[raudiace4]

Ahh you decided to get the slow version, its ok. Get 35%.

Welcome and congrats!

[chaos2984]

like people have said 175 is about avg price it should cost u. also you should go with 20% you get the best at that level. Any darker than that your going to start to have to roll down windows to back up. If your looking for heat deflection then go with the ceramic tint but thats going to run you around the 300 dollar mark. But if your going to do 35% you might as well just get what is legal in your state. I have always done 20% on all of my audi's and its looked good and servers function pretty well also. But don't get anything done at the dealer. Starters they don't do it themselves so they sublet out. And anything they sublet they have to get a cut of so they tack on their extra fee onto of the sublet peoples charge.

[b8audis4]

Tint although I like a lighter tint. Something that blocks heat.

[Slav4ikMD]

Thanks for all the comments. As I said, I am new to a lot of this, didn't even realize there were different types of tinting. So I will probably not have the dealership do it then, and will do some more research.

I am buying at Biener Audi.

What should I be paying for audicare? I didn't even know that that price can be negotiated. (I am paying around 800 I think.)

What's a "slow version"? You mean manual? Fine, call it slow. :)

[chaos2984]

Thanks for all the comments. As I said, I am new to a lot of this, didn't even realize there were different types of tinting. So I will probably not have the dealership do it then, and will do some more research.

I am buying at Biener Audi.

What should I be paying for audicare? I didn't even know that that price can be negotiated. (I am paying around 800 I think.)

What's a "slow version"? You mean manual? Fine, call it slow. :)

Its not slow i don't think or would even call it that lol. But audi care is a set price and its 920 and their is no bargaining on price for it. The only thing you can bargain on is if the dealer will pay for it for you for you buying the car from them.

Usually what i do when I'm going to a Stealership i do my research prior and go in with a set price and already pre approved by my bank for what you want to pay. Just having all the balls in your court is better negoiating power for you. You can get them to work with you more since you are ready to go and have your money ready to buy. If they know they can make the sale.

[Fife]

Go with state max on tint unless you don't mind a fix it ticket every now and then - 35% for me all around. Another thing to check out is xpel. I highly recommend it, especially on a brand new car.

[IbisS4]

So what can I expect to pay at a good shop? If you say that, I might just cancel the tint at the dealership, feel it out and then get it done elsewhere. Good to know.

i Don't know where you are on the island, AAAA tires in st.james has a mobile guy, he does it for 200, the dealers uses him too and rip people off.

[DGVR6]

Probably won't do the wheel/tire package. What's lamin protection? I do park in Brooklyn once every few weeks and a little worries about bumpers... would like to avoid dealing with the bumper bully thing - any other good options?

What do you guys think about this for the front bumber? http://www.amazon.com/BumpShox-XL-Protection-Ultimate-License/dp/B0041LN1L4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413691992&sr=8-1&keywords=front+bumper+guard

Sorry for the naive questions, I am new to the concept of having a nice car! LOL

They should offer something like this...


http://www.lamin-x.com/Audi-A4-09-12-Clear-Bra-Paint-Protection-p/a718.htm

[jlaudio]

Tint prices are all over the place, so don't really take anyone's prices here as the norm. Tint prices are also based on film - I went with 3M Crystalline which is a heat blocking/UV blocking tint because i live at 5,000 feet and the sun is very strong here. $650 installed. Well worth it in my opinion. ($500 of the $650 was the cost of the film)

[S4tranquility]

35% ceramic ($220 out the door installed. Non-ceramic film would've been $160):

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/S4tranquility/9E142DCB-12E8-4226-A1FD-F1C2620A42A4_zpsc6nkwdqs.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/S4tranquility/F1256B79-7E3E-4A88-B37F-019C6B4994F2_zpstpn2apvx.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/S4tranquility/1197AE04-5F84-48F5-94F6-5D4450F3617F_zpsvam9k4mz.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/S4tranquility/B07084E1-E24F-4728-8E02-3266AB9157D6_zpsrvcbfxmm.jpg

[HedonismBot]

I opted not to tint, clear bra only.

Several times a year I'll drive in rural areas up North late at night (disposing of bodies and such). On a dark night it can compromise visibility.

Also, too dark a tint means you can't reliably establish visual contact with other drivers or pedestrians (waving other drivers on, assuring pedestrians that you see them, etc.). If I'm going to have an impact on the safe driveability of the car via mods it will be to improve it not impede it.

[wwhan]

Tint is nice to have. Example 3M crystalline 70% tint on sides, 50% tint on rear.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/559/3M_CR90.jpg

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/S4_tint.JPG

[DGVR6]

I opted not to tint, clear bra only.

Several times a year I'll drive in rural areas up North late at night (disposing of bodies and such). On a dark night it can compromise visibility.

Also, too dark a tint means you can't reliably establish visual contact with other drivers or pedestrians (waving other drivers on, assuring pedestrians that you see them, etc.). If I'm going to have an impact on the safe driveability of the car via mods it will be to improve it not impede it.

Defensive driving.

You shouldn't rely on anybody but yourself.
Dark rural places, that's understandable.

[Dash]

Whatever you do... my opinion has always been that sedans should be the same all the way around. I personally think it looks odd when the back windows are darker than the front two... but it is your car.

[wwhan]

Whatever you do... my opinion has always been that sedans should be the same all the way around. I personally think it looks odd when the back windows are darker than the front two... but it is your car.

Unfortunately, the tint dealer said they could not apply the Crystalline 70% tint on the rear window (too difficult), closest they could do was the 50% tint ( Not Crystalline).

[brutus27]

I opted not to tint, clear bra only.

Several times a year I'll drive in rural areas up North late at night (disposing of bodies and such). On a dark night it can compromise visibility.

Also, too dark a tint means you can't reliably establish visual contact with other drivers or pedestrians (waving other drivers on, assuring pedestrians that you see them, etc.). If I'm going to have an impact on the safe driveability of the car via mods it will be to improve it not impede it.

+1, why compromise low light/night vision?
+1 on eye contact as well….

[Usa]

Went 70% on the sides, 40% on the rear (Crystalline)

Got rid of the fishbowl look and still legal and the car stays cooler

[BlueByU]

50% 3M FX premium on all glass including Windshield
http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc348/godfath3r7/53F18C88-74A8-4D6B-8D37-3CF44E941841.jpg (http://s526.photobucket.com/user/godfath3r7/media/53F18C88-74A8-4D6B-8D37-3CF44E941841.jpg.html)
http://i526.photobucket.com/albums/cc348/godfath3r7/D4B17AC0-9D9A-4930-BC88-A28B3DF79CCA.jpg (http://s526.photobucket.com/user/godfath3r7/media/D4B17AC0-9D9A-4930-BC88-A28B3DF79CCA.jpg.html)

[Slav4ikMD]

is it legal to tint the windshield? I am in NY. Anyone know's what the limit is - 35 all around?

Anyway, I cancelled the tint job at the dealership, but leaning toward getting it done elsewhere... I am guessing 35 all around.

Does anyone have a contact number for that guy in St. James?

So what's the best way to tint? Ceramic? I don't mind paying an extra couple of hundred bucks for good quality...

[BlueByU]

It is illegal in MN for tint on the windshield. I assume most states are the same. But it looks ohhh ohhh so good.

What color is your car? On my white s4 I had ceramic tint and this new one that is black I did standard. I don't care for the blueish hue, that ceramic film does, on black cars.

[GeoJoe]

Tint is always my first mod. It's a must add feature that I often use as a bargaining incentive. Dealers will throw it in on the deal.

For the S4, just be aware that some installers have issues with the S4 due to possibilities of getting water on the stereo amp.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/380387-B8-S4-Rear-window-tint-installation

[DGVR6]

NY Limit is 70% all around. Can't fully tint the windshield, Max is 6" from roof.

Me, I feel like if you spend this much for your car, you should be allowed to do whatever the f you want to do.
20% all around 50% windshield [:D]

[Slav4ikMD]

Ok, totally stupid question: how do these percentages/numbers go? A 35% tint basically means 65% light transmittance, right? But a 20 is darker than 35.... confusing.

So I am assuming is that if 70 is the limit in NY, I can get a 30-35 tint, but not 20 - am I understanding the terminology correctly?

[Slav4ikMD]

Or is it that the 70 that is allowed means only a very very light tint is allowed?

[MAIZE_N_BLUE]

Or is it that the 70 that is allowed means only a very very light tint is allowed?

This is correct. See below for laws by state.

http://tintlaws.com/

Next question you are going to ask, "ok, but what can I get away with?" I'll tell you MI law saws no tint on front passenger windows (first 4" only... who does that). I've had 35%-50% on everything except windshield on two cars over 7 years and never had a problem. YMMV - check out some tinting forums and you might get a better idea of how enforced the 70% rule is in NY. IMHO 70% is still better than 100%, maybe go for 50% if you are worried about getting in trouble but still want it a little darker.

[Mr.Tan]

i had 40% all around on my 335, i thought it was just about perfect as far as giving a bit of privacy but not being too dark to cause issues with law. I ran 18% all around on my wrangler unlimited, it was a real headache at night time when I was turning or needed to look out the window at something; i can't imagine going darker.


I'm still up in the air as to what I want to do with my S4. Cops are here and there with tint laws in my city. I dont want too dark as I think it looks cheap, but i dont want too light as i feel like it defeats the purpose

(sorry these aren't audi related, but it shows what they looked like)

this was my jeep with the 18% all around)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m206/vdubn5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/535E6C13-5DCD-4AE5-8945-731BA72114B8_zpsbq8iwnoz.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/vdubn5/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/535E6C13-5DCD-4AE5-8945-731BA72114B8_zpsbq8iwnoz.jpg.html)

this was 40% on the bmw... sorry its angled, but you can see the drivers a-pillar which shows the transparency)... it really wasent that dark at all, however certain angles it looked almost black in low light

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m206/vdubn5/a9181578.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/vdubn5/media/a9181578.jpg.html)

[Race Shooter]

I did 40% Huper on my S4. I had it on my previous S4 as well and think that its about perfect. Dark enough and with the ceramic design pulls out plenty of heat, but not dark enough to get hassled. Never did in 8 years with the other car in both MD and VA, neither of which are particularly tint friendly.

[seanj130]

I live in NY and have the front windshield tinted. I have NEVER had a problem. I don't even think cops would look for a tinted windshield unless it was 20% or lower..


is it legal to tint the windshield? I am in NY. Anyone know's what the limit is - 35 all around?

Anyway, I cancelled the tint job at the dealership, but leaning toward getting it done elsewhere... I am guessing 35 all around.

Does anyone have a contact number for that guy in St. James?

So what's the best way to tint? Ceramic? I don't mind paying an extra couple of hundred bucks for good quality...

[seanj130]

A mobile tint guy? LOL. I would love to see his work. My tint guy can't even turn on his A/C prior or during a tint job as it just blows around air in the shop, which usually kicks up dust. Good tint shops usually have immaculate shops to prevent anything from getting in the film..

However, this guy could have found an exception to the way of tinting, and could be very good!


i Don't know where you are on the island, AAAA tires in st.james has a mobile guy, he does it for 200, the dealers uses him too and rip people off.

[seanj130]

70 in NY means that you can put 70% film on the car.. But there is a catch! Your windows will measure on a light meter at 78% from the factory. So you are really put 70% on a 78% window making it roughly 55%... Just put 35% on all the way around and you won't have a problem.



Ok, totally stupid question: how do these percentages/numbers go? A 35% tint basically means 65% light transmittance, right? But a 20 is darker than 35.... confusing.

So I am assuming is that if 70 is the limit in NY, I can get a 30-35 tint, but not 20 - am I understanding the terminology correctly?

[Wilbur]

Tint looks greasy IMO.

[TLB]

Without a question tinted car looks much better.
Now the question is why you would like to do this.
If just for a look then you can save money and chose a reputable company film that suits your esthetics .
If your primary reason is heat rejection then be prepared to spend $600-$900
on a tint that stops the heat transmition.
Remember darker ( lower number) does not mean better heat rejection.
I am in Arizona and heat rejection was my primary concern.
Personally I like 30-35% tint all around.
Dark but not too dark.
I would recommend 3M crystalline or Spectra PhotoSync.Huper Optik is great too. ( huper optik drei has really good heat rejection TSER but it is a metalized tint). I had drei on my previous S4 and had no problems with AM or cell phone signal.......and yes I had it on the back window too.
These are not cheap tints ( especially spectra photo sync) but worth the money if you leave in Arizona.
As for a windshield ...
I did it on my new S4 ( spectra photo sync) . Go with transparent tint on windshield which stops lots of heat. If heat is no concern to you do not tint a windshield.
Just my 2¢…

[SpeakCRNA]

Like the previous post... For cosmetics, tint is the way to go. I tinted 15% rear 3 and 50% front 2. Illegal to tint windshields here in ohio.

I had it done when I drove it down to Clearwater beach. I found a mobile tint guy who beat OH prices significantly.

[Slav4ikMD]

70 in NY means that you can put 70% film on the car.. But there is a catch! Your windows will measure on a light meter at 78% from the factory. So you are really put 70% on a 78% window making it roughly 55%... Just put 35% on all the way around and you won't have a problem.

Sean, could you explain that a bit? Sorry, I am probably a little slow and just not getting the math... So lower tint number, means darker window, right? If windows are a bit pre-tinted at a factory (is that what you mean by 78%), then wouldn't it mean that to get a final number of 70, you could barely add ANY tint to the base window? How do you arrive at 35 not being a problem?

[seanj130]

Correct. You can barely add any level of film to make it 70%


I arrive at 35% through experience and that of others. It seems that any darker (20%) and problems begin to arise.

As for the math, just take 70% of 78% to get to your number.








Sean, could you explain that a bit? Sorry, I am probably a little slow and just not getting the math... So lower tint number, means darker window, right? If windows are a bit pre-tinted at a factory (is that what you mean by 78%), then wouldn't it mean that to get a final number of 70, you could barely add ANY tint to the base window? How do you arrive at 35 not being a problem?




Sent from my Atari while playing Pac Man

[xuandatou]

1. Tint your gorgeous S4 for sure ! Looking good, heat & sunshine protection, sometimes it saves your belongings in the car etc. Personally I would suggest 35% all around

2. Don't do it at the dealer ! As discussed before, a kid receiving $8 or $9 hourly rate would not truly do their best performing the job especially when there are 10+ cars waiting in the lot to be done...

3. Find a reputable local tint shop and do the whole package--- window tint and protection film for front bumper, hood, fender, pillars etc... do remember that you have to wait for at least 3 days to roll the windows down or wash your car once the installation is done.

4. Make sure upload some pics after that [:d]

[seanj130]

LMFAO at those prices... Just my 2 cents, you paid WAY too much.

If your primary reason is heat rejection.. You can go with any 3m film, llumar film, or suntek, along with any that were just listed. For a ceramic window film, you should expect to pay anywhere from $275-$500.. Remember, go that route if your PRIMARY reason is heat rejection..



Without a question tinted car looks much better.
Now the question is why you would like to do this.
If just for a look then you can save money and chose a reputable company film that suits your esthetics .
If your primary reason is heat rejection then be prepared to spend $600-$900
on a tint that stops the heat transmition.
Remember darker ( lower number) does not mean better heat rejection.
I am in Arizona and heat rejection was my primary concern.
Personally I like 30-35% tint all around.
Dark but not too dark.
I would recommend 3M crystalline or Spectra PhotoSync.Huper Optik is great too. ( huper optik drei has really good heat rejection TSER but it is a metalized tint). I had drei on my previous S4 and had no problems with AM or cell phone signal.......and yes I had it on the back window too.
These are not cheap tints ( especially spectra photo sync) but worth the money if you leave in Arizona.
As for a windshield ...
I did it on my new S4 ( spectra photo sync) . Go with transparent tint on windshield which stops lots of heat. If heat is no concern to you do not tint a windshield.
Just my 2¢…

[Johnnycash]

1. Tint your gorgeous S4 for sure ! Looking good, heat & sunshine protection, sometimes it saves your belongings in the car etc. Personally I would suggest 35% all around

2. Don't do it at the dealer ! As discussed before, a kid receiving $8 or $9 hourly rate would not truly do their best performing the job especially when there are 10+ cars waiting in the lot to be done...

3. Find a reputable local tint shop and do the whole package--- window tint and protection film for front bumper, hood, fender, pillars etc... do remember that you have to wait for at least 3 days to roll the windows down or wash your car once the installation is done.

4. Make sure upload some pics after that [:d]

im willing to bet most dealers dont do window tint in house. they have a separate company do them.



LMFAO at those prices... Just my 2 cents, you paid WAY too much.

If your primary reason is heat rejection.. You can go with any 3m film, llumar film, or suntek, along with any that were just listed. For a ceramic window film, you should expect to pay anywhere from $275-$500.. Remember, go that route if your PRIMARY reason is heat rejection..

im inclined to believe him, what are his motivations to lie? i have called around enough to get quotes and pricing info to know that there are companies charging similar in mpls mn area, now im not saying i paid that much for my window tint because i dont pay that much, but i also dont get the super expensive tint...

and you have to understand that some places charge higher amounts because they can, its just that simple.

[mrebusa]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10434014_10154705275435626_2611703196504709413_n.j pg?oh=ff777bfce375e69468b4dddeeb7fb1c5&oe=54B2F1F2&__gda__=1420684199_a695b6baeb363351e464ff7e782ad88 1

I went with 20% 3M FX Pro Tint

[wwhan]

LMFAO at those prices... Just my 2 cents, you paid WAY too much.

If your primary reason is heat rejection.. You can go with any 3m film, llumar film, or suntek, along with any that were just listed. For a ceramic window film, you should expect to pay anywhere from $275-$500.. Remember, go that route if your PRIMARY reason is heat rejection..

Labor rates in SF Bay area are very high & with the S4 rear window issues, one would be better off to go to a quality tint shop. I paid $500, four years ago, at Auto Image in Belmont to get the 3M Crystalline 70% installed. My primary interest in adding tint was UV rejection & making it look stock to reduce the CHP attention, heat rejection was secondary.

[Project Quattro]

Ok, totally stupid question: how do these percentages/numbers go? A 35% tint basically means 65% light transmittance, right? But a 20 is darker than 35.... confusing.

So I am assuming is that if 70 is the limit in NY, I can get a 30-35 tint, but not 20 - am I understanding the terminology correctly?

35% means that it lets in 35% of the light and blocks 65%. 20% would let in 20% of the light.

Personally for liveability I went with 35% on the sides and 20% on the rear window; I have a tan interior and the light color makes the large rear window look lighter, which was the reason I went with the darker back window. In person it looks basically even with the sides.

35% on the sides is light enough that the cops don't hassle me and I can see out at night, but dark enough that it looks cleaner.

Full sun pictures:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/23/86319532954564fe1ddf4d9d4aa5ffd9.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/23/fff7304217fcd849547bccdb1a775148.jpg

Cloudy day:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/23/b220c6d852a73f183a62191cbc6bebaf.jpg


A mobile tint guy? LOL. I would love to see his work. My tint guy can't even turn on his A/C prior or during a tint job as it just blows around air in the shop, which usually kicks up dust. Good tint shops usually have immaculate shops to prevent anything from getting in the film..

However, this guy could have found an exception to the way of tinting, and could be very good!

My tint guy in CT is mobile as well, he does phenomenal work. He just doesn't work on exceptionally windy days.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Audigirl2pointO]

35% all around:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd518/plinko89/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/plinko89/media/B8%20S4/62AE0F48-C71C-40D1-9603-5891DB615B68_zpsoqo9lyz2.jpg.html)


Omg I love this color on the Audi so much!!!

Tint them! It'll look great!


Audigirl2pointO

[stormrider]

Check out Detailing Dynamics in Mineola.
I had 35% on my White S4.
I did 50% on my Daytona. It wasn't just the darkness, it was the color of the tint that made me lean towards 50%.
Also was looking for classier vs the contrast.

[UltraS4John]

35% all around...

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10592938_10152666506854042_8858822376161308624_n.j pg?oh=41dea2d0709e0c9e0a3ded4e4ec0f029&oe=54EAE49E

[JKrups06]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/24/0c99384ef4f7d50948bdab1a46c8a679.jpg

Put 35 percent on the side windows. Had the guy check what it was actually ended up being 25% cuz our windows come stock tinted like 77% or something.

Defiantly tint it! Makes a hugr difference. You drive an audi only a small amount of cops will u stop u for that only

[bombdiggity]

My girlfriends sister just got spectre photo sync tint installed. Expensive 500-800$ but it has amazing heat rejection. Look it up


Sent from my SlimePhone using Tapatalk

[csullivan]

Sean, could you explain that a bit? Sorry, I am probably a little slow and just not getting the math... So lower tint number, means darker window, right? If windows are a bit pre-tinted at a factory (is that what you mean by 78%), then wouldn't it mean that to get a final number of 70, you could barely add ANY tint to the base window? How do you arrive at 35 not being a problem?

The number is the percentage of available light transmitted through the window. 35% tint means 35% of the available light passes through the window. Lower the number, less light, darker tint.

Figuring out overall tint if you stack them, you just multiply the two numbers. If the factory tint is 78% as mentioned (not sure that's true, but for example) and you put 50% tint on, in theory if you put a meter on it it would measure out at .78 * .5, or roughly 39% light transmission.

Tint laws are different for each state. in MD, the darkest you can go is 35%, and tinting the windsheild at all is illegal, as it is in most places.

He's saying to just get 35% because 35% isn't that dark and most police won't hassle you at that level regardless of where you're located. They can see through it when they pull you over, and for most that's good enough.

[OldmanRacer]

Tint. Always IMHO. Clean look and serves purpose of blocking sun. Win win.

[2.0T_A3]

IMO no tint is better. In my case i like it since I can see inside and enjoy the look of the interior as I come up to the car( magma red leather, carbon, etc...Sets it apart from an A4). Looks cleaner in my opinion.

Cons.
Dark tint make it hard to see out of the car at night (park or drive). If you like to go fast i would recommend seeing as much as you can to minimize the risk. Tint just like not polarized sunglasses mess with your debt perception.No tint is perfect, a lot of it is hazy when you really look at it. If you are OCD then it won't work for you. Defroster strips on the back window are very thick and won't allow full adhesion. Lastly gives a cop more reason to screw with you.

Pros.
Keep the interior cooler and looks better to some.

[ballinb5]

IMO no tint is better. In my case i like it since I can see inside and enjoy the look of the interior as I come up to the car( magma red leather, carbon, etc...Sets it apart from an A4). Looks cleaner in my opinion.

Cons.
Dark tint make it hard to see out of the car at night (park or drive). If you like to go fast i would recommend seeing as much as you can to minimize the risk. Tint just like not polarized sunglasses mess with your debt perception.No tint is perfect, a lot of it is hazy when you really look at it. If you are OCD then it won't work for you. Defroster strips on the back window are very thick and won't allow full adhesion. Lastly gives a cop more reason to screw with you.

Pros.
Keep the interior cooler and looks better to some.

Wow... what a fair and balanced review... hahaha

[2.0T_A3]

Wow... what a fair and balanced review... hahaha

Haha [:)]

[runner32]

Mirror tint.. Dedicatedly mirrored tint